Severe Thunderstorms Sweep Across Southern United States, Prompting Warnings and Watches

Severe thunderstorms have been sweeping across the southern United States, prompting multiple warnings and watches issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) in various states. The storms have been characterized by strong winds, hail, and the potential for tornadoes, posing risks to both property and public safety.

In Arkansas, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for several counties, including Crittenden, Cross, Lee, Phillips, and St. Francis. The watch extends until 1 AM CDT and covers cities such as Memphis, Bartlett, and Olive Branch. The NWS warns of the possibility of 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail, which could cause damage to vehicles and structures.

Similarly, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for northeastern Bollinger County, Perry County, and northwestern Cape Girardeau County in southeastern Missouri. The warning is in effect until 7:00 PM CDT, with the storms moving northeast at 50 mph. Residents in areas like Perryville, Patton, and Oak Ridge are advised to expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees due to 60 mph wind gusts.

Further south, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for northeastern Creek County and south-central Tulsa County. The warning is in effect until 7:15 PM CDT, with the storm moving southeast at 30 mph. Ping pong ball-sized hail and 60 mph wind gusts are expected, posing risks to people and animals outdoors, as well as potential damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles.

Additionally, a Tornado Watch remains valid until 8 PM CDT for several counties in Arkansas, including Lonoke, Prairie, White, Arkansas, Bradley, Cleveland, Desha, Drew, Jefferson, and Lincoln. Cities like Pine Bluff, Stuttgart, and Warren are included in the watch, with the potential for tornadoes to develop in the region.

These severe weather events highlight the importance of staying informed and prepared during stormy conditions. Residents in the affected areas are advised to seek shelter indoors, away from windows, and to secure loose outdoor objects. It is crucial to heed the warnings and watches issued by the NWS to ensure personal safety and minimize property damage.

As the storms continue to move through the region, monitoring local weather updates and taking necessary precautions are essential steps in staying safe during severe weather events.

#SevereWeather #Thunderstorms #NWSWarnings #SafetyFirst #StayInformed
References:
– NWS Little Rock AR: [Severe Thunderstorm Warning](https://api.weather.gov/alerts/urn:oid:2.49.0.1.840.0.b8e4ab20dd901e61df92b5e2875c42d2d68701f5.002.1.cap)
– NWS Memphis TN: [Severe Thunderstorm Watch](https://api.weather.gov/alerts/urn:oid:2.49.0.1.840.0.7ef1cd2aacae305aed3b65ce73f9db0eedede2c3.001.1.cap)
– NWS Paducah KY: [Severe Thunderstorm Warning](https://api.weather.gov/alerts/urn:oid:2.49.0.1.840.0.c7568e86cd863df93a663cdec25bbb016d522720.001.1.cap)
– NWS Shreveport LA: [Special Weather Statement](https://api.weather.gov/alerts/urn:oid:2.49.0.1.840.0.343b88dcdc94dd5c1a82d634cc030c5777a81a53.001.1.cap)
– NWS Tulsa OK: [Severe Thunderstorm Warning](https://api.weather.gov/alerts/urn:oid:2.49.0.1.840.0.00ae8d13be33e34ed43c527d8834f7e00b4cb45f.001.1.cap)
– NWS Little Rock AR: [Tornado Watch](https://api.weather.gov/alerts/urn:oid:2.49.0.1.840.0.b3927fbc2bba9d64a5494b921ef0f238677ebdd7.002.1.cap)

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